Platform for the transfer and efficient use of biologicals on Latin American farms

Executive Summary

There is an urgent need for the implementation and development of more sustainable agricultural technologies. The use of bioinoculants (biofertilizers, biopesticides and biocontrollers) based on beneficial microbes which can promote plant growth and also plant protection is a promising technology that can be improved in efficacy, adoption and commercial registration for its use. The project is funded by the New Zealand Government as part of its contribution to the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA).

This proposal focuses on discerning gaps in the incorporation of bioinoculants in the technological toolboxes of agricultural farms in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as an alternative to agrochemicals, in order to provide for the growing worldwide population and food demand.

The technological solution

Coordinated actions are proposed at several levels:

1- Implementation of a collaborative network of scientific-technological cooperation between participating laboratories. This will allow evaluation of effectiveness and traceability of different bioinoculants applied under field conditions.

2- Evaluate the response under field conditions of different crops to the application of prototype bioinoculants with the ability to promote plant growth and protection against pests and diseases.

3- Develop actions that promote the exchange and transfer of scientific-technological knowledge between different actors (companies, farm producers, scientists and public decision-makers), promoting the use of bioinoculants for agriculture.

Results

Beneficiaries

Thirty-eight biologicals companies, 12,007 small and medium-sized producers in each country, as well as those grouped in international associations such as PROCISUR and ALAR; ten academic institutions, four mixed academic-business-producer organizations/associations: one Latin American and three government agencies.

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors

Dissemination products